Which statement best describes an open group?

• A. New members are carefully screened before joining.
• B. Open groups restrict who can join with a fixed roster.
• C. New members must be approved by the group at a designated meeting.
• D. New members can join at any time.

Answer: (D)

Open groups keep membership fluid and ongoing; new participants can join at any session, and the group keeps meeting regardless of who shows up. That ability for people to enter whenever they’re ready is exactly what defines an open group. This setup works well for addressing ongoing issues or topics as they arise and allows for flexible intake. The other descriptions describe closed or restricted groups, where entry is limited by screening, a fixed roster, or a formal intake with a designated start time. In practice, open groups also require clear confidentiality norms and orientation for newcomers to help maintain trust amid fluctuating membership.